Like many of my fellow well-seasoned peers in the human resource profession, I’ve learned not only to never say, “now I’ve seen it all,” I won’t even think it. Many of us have resigned ourselves to simply thinking – often out loud – “you can’t fix stupid.” To allow for a little variety in my thoughts and grumblings on the topic of human behavior, I’ve added the simple yet effective, “SERIOUSLY?” The futuristic, “in which parallel universe would that ever be acceptable?” And, the good old fashioned, “I’m glad I wasn’t around when their mother found out they did that!”

My wife claims that I’ve been muttering my favorite new phrases a lot recently, and she’s probably right. Here are a few of the reasons why:Continue reading

As expected, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published a Request for Information (RFI) based in part on the overtime rule that was finalized in 2016. This RFI formally invites public comment, data, and information on, among other areas, an appropriate salary level for bona fide executive, administrative, and professional exemptions allowed under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta has suggested that the DOL is likely to propose a new version of the overtime rule that increases the salary threshold, but not as high as the $913 per week set forth under the previous rule.

The DOL is using this RFI to invite public comment on eleven specific, multi-part questions, including:Continue reading

The New York Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) published its final regulations regarding the state’s Paid Family Leave Law (PFL) Wednesday, July 19, 2017. As many of us expected, very little about the final regulations has changed from the most recent proposed regulations issued on May 24, 2017. However, the WCB did clarify certain areas. The following are a few of the clarifications: Continue reading

In case you haven’t heard, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a revised I-9 form today, July 17, 2017. A PDF of the new form can be downloaded by clicking HERE, or by visiting the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/i-9.

Wait, didn’t USCIS just issue a new I-9 form a few months ago? Yes, they did. However, changes are necessary because of requirements contained in the International Entrepreneur Rule, effective July 17, 2017. (If you really want to know about the International Entrepreneur Rule, check out my July 2017 Daily Record article, “Missed These Important Updates? I’ve Got Your Back,” or click HERE for a detailed explanation, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!)

Back in the day (clearly, I’m showing my age), things slowed down in the summer. Somewhere around mid- to late June, the pace at work slowed down, there weren’t as many places to go on the weekends, and even the “honey-do” list seemed a little shorter. Today, the pace is faster and the lists are longer. Instead of easing back into things after a week’s vacation, I find myself asking, “what happened while I was at lunch?”

This article by Frank Cania, president of driven HR – A USA Payroll Company, was originally published inThe Daily Record, March 10, 2017.

You may not know this, but I sacrificed a less-than-mediocre career in accounting to become a human resource professional. My mother loved the sound of it: “HUMAN – RESOURCE – PROFESSIONAL.” Three words. Far more impressive to her than those one-word careers some of her friends’ children had chosen: pilot, pharmacist, engineer, doctor, and attorney. I can still hear the pride in her voice when she introduced me, “This is my son, Frank. He’s a human resource professional!” It’s probably good that she’s not here to read this article. Continue reading

This article by Frank Cania, president of driven HR – A USA Payroll Company, was originally published inThe Daily Record, April 4, 2017.

On Wednesday, March 29, 2017, I had the honor and privilege to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee, as part of a hearing regarding the effectiveness of the Paperwork Reduction Act (“PRA”) in reducing paperwork and reporting burdens on small businesses. The opportunity to observe, and participate in this process was an amazing experience.

My self-assumed role on the four-member panel of witnesses was adding context and a story or two to the facts and figures my distinguished peers offered. An important role because, as you’ll see, the magnitude of the data can be astonishing.